Longtime jansan manufacturer representative and Knox Co. founder Maurice Knox passed away March 1, 2016. He was 95 years old.

Knox was born in San Francisco, CA, and was named valedictorian of his graduating class at Galileo High. After earning his Master of Business Administration from Stanford University, Knox served in the U.S. Navy as part of a classified guided missile program during World War II.

Following his stint in the Navy, Knox returned to San Francisco and began his career as a manufacturer representative for the cleaning industry. He founded M.H. Knox & Co. in 1949. The company, which became Knox Co. in 1969, serviced such manufacturers as Golden Star Manufacturing Co. and Chase Products Co.

In addition to being a manufacturer representative, Knox also served as president of the American Push Broom Co. from 1951-1966. He retired from the cleaning industry in the 1980s.

Knox is survived by his wife, two sons, and four grandchildren.